The Lila Poonawalla Foundation’s  ambitious project of developing young Lila Fellows as “Peace Ambassadors”.is now a reality. “Lila Poonawalla Foundation ” had sent 13 young Lila Fellows, (recipients of scholarships from the Lila Poonawalla Foundation) to Gloucestershire, United Kingdom  for a three week training program. They were accompanied by a Project Manager and an Executive Secretary.

Lila Poonawalla Foundation in collaboration with ASHA FOUNDATION of U.K had conducted training programs in leadership, inter cultural appreciation, communication, presentation and negotiation skills, eurhythmy, Stress management etc. The Visit also included  visits to Oxford University, Shakespeare’s birthplace, Tin Tern Abbey, Jane Austen Centre, Roman Bath to understand the Roman history. The Lila Fellows were also taken to the Grange, a centre for people with learning disabilities and special needs. The young Lila Fellows were trained in Lucca Leadership techniques that combines interactive as well as activity driven participation, Yoga & Stress Management, Posture  and presentation skills. The young Lila Fellows were groomed to be Young Peace Ambassadors and have returned back with a zeal, zest and passion to give back to other Lila Fellows as well Society all that they have learned by way of mentoring, counseling and sharing of their talents and skills.

Asha Foundation was started in UK by Ms. Zerbanoo Gifford. Mrs. Gifford is a human rights campaigner, community activist and author. She has been awarded a fellowship from National Endowment of Science Technology and Arts. Zee TV honored her with the International Women of the year for her humanitarian work worldwide. She has also got the Nehru Centenary award for championing the rights of women, child and minorities. She is a member of the British Race Relations Forum.

Mrs.Lila Poonawalla  Chairperson of the Foundation  says  “The objective of this mission was  to provide new models of Wholesome Development and Wholesome Leadership, both of which are focused at tapping inner and outer freedom for prosperity and peace of humanity at large. This could be achieved in a five fold action plan

• Building confidence and tolerance
• Knowledge building and cultural exchange
• Understanding true leadership
• Stress Management
• Understanding Women’s role in a Man’s world

All these qualities will enable the young Lila Fellows to collaborate and connect with the society and work in a various spheres in the field of AIDS, Health issues, Women empowerment and broadly to experience the joy of giving.” 

The Foundation has plans to continue this Project by building at least one such group every year, subject to being able to find funds for the same.